The federal criminal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs officially began with jury selection on Monday in a Manhattan courtroom.
Up to 150 potential jurors are expected to be questioned individually by Judge Arun Subramanian, along with prosecutors and defense attorneys, to assess their eligibility to serve on the jury. The selection process is expected to take up to three days.
Combs, 55, once a dominant force in the music industry, faces serious federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, s*x trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all five counts in the indictment.
The trial follows a wave of over 50 civil lawsuits accusing Combs of rape, s*xual assault, and abuse, many of which emerged after his former partner, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, filed a landmark lawsuit in November 2023. That case was later settled for an undisclosed amount.
At his most recent court appearance on May 2, Combs confirmed he had rejected a proposed plea deal. A judge also denied his legal team’s request to postpone the trial’s start.
If convicted, Combs could face a life sentence.
